The J&K Chief Minister pitched the state as a film location while speaking at the Ladakh International Film Festival

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the first Ladakh International Film Festival (LIFF) in Leh town on June 15. Welcoming the participants, he highlighted the state’s captivating natural beauty, world-class film locations, rich heritage and cultural diversity, making a special reference to unique serenity of the Ladakh region.

“Our beautiful land offers wide-ranging attractions to the tourists of all interests, and we have to add variety to this speciality by focussing on sports, cultural, adventure, pilgrim and heritage tourism,” the chief minister said. He said the mountainous beauty and heritage of Ladakh would always be an interesting subject for filmmakers and global tourism. Abdullah said, “With the coming up of excellent infrastructure in the shape of an auditorium, I expect that the holding of festivals of national and international standards would become a permanent feature in Leh.”

Sixty films on various subjects, including documentary, art and features, will be screened during the three-day festival being chaired by filmmaker Shyam Benegal.